More Business of Being Born

Back in 2007, I was lucky enough to attend an advance screening of The Business of Being Born in New York City, and I wrote this review of it at the time. Since then, it’s become widely popular and widely viewed, loudly praised and criticized by opposing sides of the birth debate, and has served as the starting point for thousands of people as they begin to educate themselves about birth and navigate the obstetrical mine-field in this country. It’s amazing to me how much of a cultural icon this film has become since it’s release—so much so that ACOG alluded to it in its Statement on Homebirth back in 2008 (“Childbirth decisions should not be dictated or influenced by what’s fashionable, trendy, or the latest cause célèbre.”)—and how this film has served as a lightning rod (re-)sparking endless debate, and bringing awareness to a much larger and more mainstream audience.

However, both Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein admitted that there were several more pieces of the puzzle which they couldn’t delve into due to time constraints in their film, and how they really wished they could. Now, fast-forward to 2011 and it seems like they’re making good on their promise to continue to explore various aspects of childbirth in America with the upcoming release of a 4 part documentary series which continues where The Business of Being Born left off, entitled (pragmatically): More Business of Being Born.I, for one, cannot wait to see these films and see the debate continue!!